Tweenbots project finds people really do care about robots, for now
By Donald Melanson 
posted April 13th 2009 1:16PM
posted April 13th 2009 1:16PM
We've already seen a fair bit of evidence suggesting that humans can quickly form bonds with robots, and it looks like ITP's Kacie Kinzer has now thrown some additional, adorable fodder into the mix. Apparently, she's spent the past few months sending a robot, or "Tweenbot," aimlessly wandering through New York's Washington Square Park in the hope that passers-by would take time from their busy day to help guide it from one corner of the park to the other -- or at least point it in the right direction. As you may be pleased to know, it turns out that plenty of folks were more than happy to help out the little bot, and it was even able to complete its journey in as little as little as 42 minutes with the help of 29 people. Of course, no one sends a smiling cardboard robot out into the wild without capturing a bit of video, so head on past the break for it, and hit up the link below for glimpse at some future Tweenbots.
[Via MAKE]
[Via MAKE]
D'awwwww....
yeah, well we'll see how friendly people are when they stick a mean face on it and a steak knife in its hand and send it along.
This proves how people are still superior to robutts.
I would find my way using 2 or 3 people's help... tops.
Heartwarming to see Adam Sandler making way for the little guy...
How visible was the camera, I wonder?
Well, thats because he had a smile on its face. If he had fangs or an evil grin people would kick it. We help nice robots!!
when the robots attempt to destroy us, they will all be smiling and have little flags that say "Do not resist!"
Maybe you personally should try to spend more time rebuilding the country, and less time threatening people with violence because they don't agree with you.
Douche.
haha, self ownaged. Meant to reply to Col. Readily Apparent Upon Cursory Inspection below.
so terrorists should put paper bags with smiley faces over their suicide bombs?
You just took the cute right out of that segment. Why are you the way that you are?
if they want to be more efficient, probably. Politicians and investment bankers put smiles over their faces all the time.
I shit you not I thought of the same thing. Cute video though... as someone else put it... "D'awwww..."
Thanks, like those folks aren't getting enough ideas from the internet. God I wished you lived in Fallujah so I could have it you with a few stray rounds.
Skynet!
Pre alpha ver 0.0.0.0.1
LOL wow thats a really good exp, I didnt expect all those people to help send im along his way.
Must be wierd seeing a small robot shaped box moving accross the floor in the public, i expect to see terrorists using this as a tactic.......HELP ME Pick me Up and take me to your leader.
That's really cute. I'd help the little guy!
That's awesome
If this were Boston, I imagine they'd shut down the park and send the bomb squad chasing after it.
I think they would evacuate the city and declare it lost.
So true, the maker of this video is obviously a terrorist threat that the Boston PD would have to arrest and interrogate.
I think the worst part is when people I know from Boston actually thought that it was right to arrest those kids...seriously what's wrong with people Boston.
"Several hours after the state of emergency was declared, the Boston Swat Team concluded that the harmless Tweenbot posed no threat to the public, and the proper arrests have been made."
Take it and run! I need a friend.
I'm stunned no one stole it...this is Washington Square Park right?
hmmmmm....how come no one offered it weed?
@skant
It was obviously disoriented enough.
i think it's really funny how many people didn't even aknowledge that it was there. it's got like a flag and it's a cardboard box running around and they dont even look at it.
yes, i know. but most of the time i walk down the street nobdy acknoledges me even though i have real teeth
Welcome to New York.
He actually told me the terrible secret of space, but only in the strictest confidence.
I can tell you this...do not trust the pusher robot.
Heh, awesome.
That song was catchy too.
The song was catchy....
love the avatar btw
At 1:35, did anyone else notice an outcast from The Matrix in the background that took a horrified glance and scurried off with his pal? He obviously watched the trilogy and knows how this experiement ends.
There was only one Matrix movie.
Ha. Love the park ranger helping the robot!
I'm surprised some paranoid nutjob didn't call the cops. Also, I'm glad they didn't.
If you watched video, you might have noticed a cop actually helping the bot.
I remember this thing...... Friends and I were thinking about stealing it.....Cause it was just so cute and friendly looking.......
A lesson to be taken for a robot uprising..... Nice and friendly will kill us all.....
..thats what they said about cats.
Personally, I think the cats are still biding their time...
I would have put a not hidden camera on it and a remote control. Attached it to a cell phone with a data plan. That way people only had to help it when it got stuck.
TBH, its flag would read: "I'm cute now, give it 10 years".
I wonder how long it would have taken sans ongoing construction/renovation.
Now try this on an airport. "Please help me to gate 12!".
poor thing would get trampled
Very cool video. It's nice to see good people out there. :)
I like the music. :)
I wonder if this would work here in the UK. I'd be interested to try it out actually in my local park, but I just feel some yobbo would stab it.
Does anyone else hate the word "tween?" It needs to be stricken from the language.
Heh
What I find interesting is that no one stole it, and no one thought it was a bomb.
You'd think atleast one person would call a cop, but even the cop stopped to help it.
That's really heart warming.
I want to do this now in Portland, OR. I bet I could build one.
People here would help it too; they're a weird, helpful bunch.